Method of integrating a temperature sensing element

Abstract

A multi-function sensor includes a body that includes a sensing circuit disposed on a substrate, the sensing circuit including a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor being disposed on a flexible portion of the substrate. A method of fabrication and additional embodiments are disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A multi-function sensor comprising:
 a body having a sensing head portion, the body including an electrical port having at least one conductor and an elongated sleeve defining a distal gap; 
 the at least one conductor generally disposed through the sensing head portion and coupled to a sensing circuit; 
 the sensing head portion of the body at least partially surrounded by a protective cap that includes one or more O-rings and at least one protrusion, the protrusion enclosing at least one temperature sensor; 
 the sensing circuit and the at least one temperature sensor being mounted upon a circuit board that is at least partially flexible; 
 a carrier to provide a base to the sensing circuit; and 
 a pressure sensor mounted to the carrier and in electrical communication with the sensing circuit so that by connecting to the circuit board, signals from the at least one temperature sensor and the pressure sensor are accessed, 
 wherein the circuit board forms an arm that extends within the protrusion, the arm having a distal end with the at least one temperature sensor thereon and a locking feature for engaging with the distal gap for setting a position of the at least one temperature sensor when the sleeve and temperature arm are in the protrusion. 
 
     
     
       2. The multi-function sensor of  claim 1  wherein the pressure sensor is a capacitive sensing element that is mounted onto a side of the carrier that is opposite to the sensing circuit. 
     
     
       3. The multi-function sensor of  claim 1  wherein the carrier includes at least one via for passage of conductors that are configured to conduct signals from the pressure sensor sensing circuit to the pressure sensor. 
     
     
       4. The multi-function sensor of  claim 1  wherein the at least one temperature sensor is disposed within a gel designed to communicate temperature from the protrusion area of the protective cap to the temperature sensor. 
     
     
       5. A multi-function sensor comprising:
 a body at least partially defining a cavity with an annulus for providing fluidic communication to a first side of the cavity and an electrical port for providing electrical connections on a second side of the cavity; 
 a sleeve extending from the body to a distal end, the sleeve having opposing ridges that define a channel therebetween, the distal end defining a gap; 
 a sensing circuit including: a first planar portion in the cavity; a second planar portion, in the cavity, defining a connector section with conductor apertures for receiving conductors passed through the electrical port; a first flexible return for providing electrical connections between the first planar portion and the connector section; a second flexible return extending from the first planar portion; and an arm extending out of the cavity from the second flexible return into the channel, the arm also having opposing locking features on an arm distal end thereof; 
 a pressure sensor mounted on the first planar portion; and 
 a temperature sensor mounted on the arm distal end, wherein: the arm and the second flexible return electrically connect the temperature sensor to the connector section so that the conductors electrically couple to both the pressure and temperature sensors in the connector section; and the locking features engage in the gap to accurately fix the temperature sensor in a desired position. 
 
     
     
       6. The multi-function sensor of  claim 5 , further comprising electronics mounted on the first planar portion and a carrier between the pressure sensor and the first planar portion for supporting the electronics. 
     
     
       7. The multi-function sensor of  claim 5 , wherein the body is disc-shaped and further comprising a lid that snap fits into the body to fix and retain the sensing circuit in position. 
     
     
       8. A multi-function sensor comprising:
 a body having a depending sleeve, the sleeve having opposing ridges that define a channel therebetween with a gap formed in the opposing ridges at a distal end of the sleeve; 
 a sensing circuit including: a first portion; and an elongated planar arm extending from the first portion and having opposing lateral extensions; 
 a pressure sensor mounted on the first portion in a particular orientation with respect to the opposing lateral extensions; and 
 a temperature sensor mounted on a distal end of the planar arm, wherein the planar arm extends through the channel and the lateral extensions engage in the gap to accurately fix the temperature sensor in a desired position. 
 
     
     
       9. The multi-function sensor of  claim 8 , further comprising a cap for coupling to the body and, thereby, enclosing the sensing circuit, the cap defining a protrusion into which the sleeve and elongated planar arm extend.